Woodward Gardens Joining Detroit Thermal Steam Network

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DETROIT — Detroit Thermal, owner and operator of the district energy steam system throughout downtown Detroit, said Monday that it will add Woodward Gardens, a mixed-use area, to the Detroit Thermal steam network.

Construction will begin later this summer on this, the third residential project, in addition to Cadillac Square Apartments and Park Avenue House, that DT has added to its system in eight months. Located on Woodward between Mack and Warren, Woodward Gardens contributes to the integral efforts to revitalize the important Midtown area. The project also affirms DT’s dedication to investments in infrastructure, the environment, employment, and economic development.

“The Woodward Gardens developers came to Detroit Thermal because of their commitment to renewable energy and after researching geothermal-based options,” said Detroit Thermal Business Development Director Scott Barr. “Our district energy solution ended up saving half-a-million dollars in upfront costs. DT is further investing in the project by connecting the building to the steam network for no additional costs.”

The Woodward Garden Block Development involves four phases of revitalization to one of the last derelict blocks on Woodward. The first two phases, which included construction of a 302-space parking structure and a new mixed-use office and retail building, have been completed.

DT’s involvement comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this year that Woodward Avenue’s Garden Theatre, part of the block, will receive $1 million in city and state loans to transform the space into a performance, retail, and conference center. As Phase Three of the revitalization effort, this project has also met the requirements to receive a SmartBuildings Detroit grant to make the structure energy efficient. Phase Four includes construction of a 47-unit apartment building with more than 30,000 square feet of retail space at its base. Ultimately, the construction and multi-use nature of the block will offer Detroit residents a new venue for working, living, and playing in Midtown.

“We at Detroit Thermal are pleased to be a part of the next step in Detroit’s revitalization,” said Detroit Thermal President Rick Pucak. “Woodward Gardens represents another opportunity for the city to show itself off, maximize its assets, and demonstrate its forward thinking to the world.”

As the leader of an integrated service network comprising Detroit Renewable Power, Detroit Thermal, and Hamtramck Energy Services, DRE offers a green energy opportunity for businesses, institutions, governments, and multiple resident buildings. Since November of 2010, DRE has invested $60 million in Detroit, bring the total investment in DRE companies to $100 million since 2003. DRE’s business model fosters the preservation of valuable land and natural resources and reduces fossil fuel consumption. Since 1991, the DRP facility has eliminated the need for more than 400 acres of permanent landfill infrastructure. From 3,300 tons of waste each day, 100 tons of metals are recycled and up to 68 megawatts of renewable energy are generated for the greater Detroit area.

Detroit Thermal LLC, acquired by Detroit Renewable Energy LLC, (www.detroitrenewable.com) in 2010, provides cost-effective, environmentally friendly heating and cooling services to a group of more than 145 buildings along the extended Woodward Corridor from the downtown riverfront to the New Center area using steam produced from renewable energy sources.